Sheila Beelam

This may be of interest to those who haven't tried "Russian Pointe" shoes... On Monday 16th feb we are hosting a pointe shoe fitting day with one of the fitters from Russian Pointe, who is coming over from America to our shop! It's going to be appointment only and due to limited space will fill up quickly! You can book your slot between 11-4pm by phoning the shop or sending me a message here or by email

So Danca stretch canvas shoes may be a good choice? The SD16 model hugs even the slenderest of feet very well

As far as I'm aware the Freed "Classics" are made this way, whereas the "Studios" are machine made. But I am no Freed expert!

And here are a couple of quick videos!

Hi everyone! For those differing withdrawal symptoms due to the Christmas break from class, I thought you may like to see some photos and video from our recent tour of the Freed factory. https://www.facebook.com/justballetuk/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1420099199&hash=7821752264786070831&pagefilter=3 Interesting to see how much skill and work goes into completing a pair of pointe shoes. I took the tour with some shoe makers and they couldn't believe that after all the work that's involved they retail for around £50, one lady guessed at least £150 a pair! Sx

???????????? Great post Miracle! ???????????? Happy Christmas to you all, thanks for your support this year and good luck to everyone in their ballet journey in 2015! Sx

Brilliant news Miracle x

Why?! I'd be layering up this time of year! But then I'm a bit traditional, I never liked the pink tights over the leotard look either...looks like you've got dressed in a state of confusion!

Good luck to your DD lilac - sorry it's late! X

Sending positive thoughts - if a little late! X

Sending very best wishes to your DD xxx

Great news Peg! Sx

Purple and red have indeed been discontinued a shame as they were both very popular. We also had a shock phone call this week to say our order of boots in Candy Pink (light pink) had been cancelled. It was scheduled for delivery last week, then it was put back to Jan and now we're being told it won't be coming in until further notice.... Not sure what Bloch are doing, but I know they're missing a very busy trading period with a much loved product! Shame! We have a few size/colour combinations left in stock - sadly not the purple in adult small Sx

Good luck to all doing old Adv 1! I'm very sad not to be taking but, as I think it was my last chance of passing this level, but my class attendance has slipped to fortnightly or even monthly due to work commitments, so although I know the syllabus my technique has gone Having decided a few months ago it was not feasible we started learning the Adv F instead - very pretty, lovely music and a happy compromise

Very brave!! But sometimes it's the only way! A combination of hoop, tighter tacking and an extra stiff layer inserted should sort it out

I must be heavy on shoes then as my 2007 soft blocks are like soft satin slippers! I buy the same length and width as my point shoes. I find they soften quite quickly with manual manipulation of the top of the box to enable a roll through without any digging in. Then thick socks over the top and wear them around the house for a couple of evenings.

There's a suggested pattern on the link for 3 different skirts, but after the first couple we just chopped away!!!

Here's the dancers in our shop window http://instagram.com/p/vv8E9qOyXh/ http://instagram.com/p/vv8AnyOyW_/ Great fun with just some paper and scissors!

Oh that's so sad Michelle Sx

Hi Charlie chuck I wear the silk trousers to the shop as my uniform - really comfy and still have my first pair which are about 5yrs old and still going! Got the long jumper and love it - also have the wrap cardi but find it a little large. Bamboo crop top and leggings are lovely and soft. At a UK 12 I feel I am too big for the M/L crop top and leggings but I've seen them looking gorgeous on smaller dancers in the shop and one of my dancing friends lived in her crop leggings for LAB Summer Intensive his year Sx

Sort of doing dance.. Here's a link to the lovely ballerina snowflakes we've used for our Christmas window! http://krokotak.com/2012/11/snowflake-ballerinas-for-crafty-moms/ Also we have a Christmas raffle to win a signed Darcey Bussell bag or book - raffle drawn this Tuesday and tickets £1 each tickets drawn on our Christmas shopping day, with mulled wine and mince pies in store - open till 8pm and 10% off everything in store and online on 25th using code xmas10 https://www.justgiving.com/Sheila-Beelam2 Sx

You shouldn't have weight on the ends of your toes - the box should support your foot and stop it from slipping down into the box. If the box is too wide or to soft, the support will be lacking, resulting in a sinking foot, painful big toe (possible black toenail) and blisters across the toe knuckles. The box liner helps to reduce the box size, but padding shouldn't be used to make a shoe fit, only to make if more comfortable. Grishko also do a box liner. I always start a fitting with a gel toe tip and then increase or decrease padding from there. 90% end up with nothing more than a toe tip and a good fitting shoe Hope this helps!

Yes it's open to anyone and I will certainly report back! Sx

Good luck xxx

4 sounds a good option What does your daughter think about it all? Sx